In this article are described fundamental ideas in cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s/Pope Benedict XVI’s theology of music. We begin with a description of the context ofRatzinger’s theology of music which is the faith expressed in the liturgy. The biblical and patristic sources of his theological thought are described subsequently. In the next
section the theological-systematic basis (christological, pneumatological and eschatological)
of Ratzinger’s musical-theological thought is studied. In the last part is described his theological aesthetic and its application in the liturgy and sacred music. Finally, spiritual and pastoral suggestions for sacred music and pastoral ministry are also presented
